Modular ankle holster

ABSTRACT

An ankle holster comprising a series of straps having an upper, middle, lower, and support straps and a holder further comprising a back plate having a removable elastic foam backing which overlaps the edge of the back plate and a removable pocket which is attachable to the back plate using a rail system. The rail system uses an upper and lower rail system where the upper rail system is integrally molded into the removable pocket and the lower rail system is attached to the back plate and the two connect using a latch system. The removable pocket is modular and can include any number of designs to hold any number of firearms or other accessories so long as the result is a comfortable, concealed ankle holster.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED INVENTIONS

This application claims the benefit of provisional application No. 62/295,255, filed Feb. 15, 2016.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a holster. More specifically, the present invention relates to a gun accessory holder designed with a modular hard plastic pocket using a rail system.

Description of the Background Art

There are a variety of ankle holsters presently available. Generally, ankles holsters are a single piece with straps that attach around the lower shin of a wearer and are available for guns only. These holsters can be very uncomfortable as they are generally made of a type of plastic and can have rough or uneven edges. Furthermore, these holsters are static when it comes to their design. The pocket used to hold the gun is generally stitched onto the back plating resulting in use with only a single weapon design. Additionally, these ankle holsters are generally only used to handle small handguns.

For example, United States Patent Application 2013/0228601 to Velarde discloses an ankle holster having a pocket for accessories which uses a series of plates to mount the pocket. The disadvantage to this system is the requisite hardness required by the plate system and corresponding lack of modularity based on the detachment system disclosed. The present invention seeks to improve on these issues by providing an ankle holster with a soft and elastic foam backing and improved modularity through the use of a rail system.

Another example is U.S. Pat. No. 4,029,242 to Stoesser. The ankle holster disclosed comprises a series of straps and a stitched in gun pocket. The disadvantage to this system is a lack of modularity. The pocket used cannot be switched out to allow storage of different articles. The present invention solves this issue by providing a rail system that allows for increased modularity and customization.

There are numerous devices in the art that discuss the use of a holster around the ankle. Example include U.S. Pat. No. 6,176,402 to Rogers, U.S. Pat. No. 5,988,467 to Brustein, and United States Patent Application 2010/0200627 to Shen. None feature the requisite modularity and comfort allowed for in the present invention.

Therefore, it is an object of this invention to provide an improvement which overcomes the aforementioned inadequacies of the prior art devices and methods and provides an improvement which is a significant contribution to the advancement of the ankle holster art.

Another object of this invention is to provide an ankle holster having a comfortable backing that conforms to the shape of the user's lower leg preventing uncomfortable edges.

Another object of this invention is to provide a modular system that allows users to free change the pocket design and layout of the holster.

Another object of this invention is to provide an ankle holster having a pocket made out of a thermoplastic acrylic-polyvinyl chloride, preferably Kydex®, such that the holster will not be easily damaged from day-to-day wear and tear.

Another object of this invention is to provide an ankle holster that uses a variety of pocket designs to accommodate a variety of accessories.

Another object of this invention is to provide an ankle holster that can be easily and conveniently disassembled and reassembled using the same or different layout without the use of other tools.

The foregoing has outlined some of the pertinent objects of this invention. These objects should be construed to be merely illustrative of some of the more prominent features and applications of the intended invention. Many other beneficial results can be attained by applying the disclosed invention in a different manner or modifying the invention within the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, other objects and a fuller understanding of the invention may be had by referring to the summary of the invention and the detailed description of the preferred embodiment in addition to the scope of the invention defined by the claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

For the purpose of summarizing this invention, this invention comprises an ankle holster comprising a series of straps having an upper, middle, lower, and support straps and a holder further comprising a back plate having a removable elastic foam backing which overlaps the edge of the back plate and a removable pocket which is attachable to the back plate using a rail system. The rail system uses an upper and lower rail system where the upper rail system is integrally molded into the removable pocket and the lower rail system is attached to the back plate and the two connect using a latch system. The removable pocket is modular and can include any number of designs to hold any number of firearms or other accessories so long as the result is a comfortable, concealed ankle holster.

The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the more pertinent and important features of the present invention in order that the detailed description of the invention that follows may be better understood so that the present contribution to the art can be more fully appreciated. Additional features of the invention will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the claims of the invention. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and the specific embodiments disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures and methods for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions and methods do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of the ankle holster.

FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of the back plate of the ankle holster.

FIG. 3 illustrates a front view of the accessory pocket of the ankle holster.

FIG. 4 illustrates a front view of the ankle holster with the accessory pocket attached.

FIG. 5 illustrates a back view of the accessory pocket.

FIG. 6 illustrates an alternative embodiment where the accessory pocket has been replaced with a gun pocket of the wearer's choosing.

Similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The following description is of a preferred embodiment presently contemplated for carrying out the invention. This description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of describing one or more preferred embodiments of the invention. The scope of the invention should be determined with reference to the claims.

As shown in the accompanying drawings, for purposes of illustration, the present invention uses specific methods and technologies for an ankle holster to provide comfort and modularity so as to create a fully customizable and modular ankle holster.

As shown in FIG. 1, the ankle holster 10 comprises a series of straps 12, the straps 12 further comprising preferably an upper strap 14, middle strap 16, lower strap 18, and support strap 20, and the holder 22, the holder 22 further comprising a back plate 24 having a preferably elastic foam backing 26, a removable pocket 28, and a pair of rail systems 30. The removable pocket 28 can be customizable for anything properly sized to fit onto the holder 22. Such items may include, but are not limited to, magazines, cell phones, knives, and small pistols. The upper strap 14 and support strap 20 are optional and provide further support. The straps 12 are also detachable from the holder 22 itself allowing for different strap styles.

As can be seen in FIG. 2, the holder 22 further comprises a back plate 24 with an elastic foam backing 26. The elastic foam backing 26 can be removable using any number of methods in order to allow for cleaning after extended use. Preferably, the foam backing is between 0.5 and 2.5 millimeters thick but can be greater based on user's preference. The holder 22 also has part of the rail systems 30. The lower rail system 32 has a series of ridges 34 and slots 36 to receive the upper rails system 38, which is described below. These ridges 34 and slots 36 are generally of the Picatinny style but may be any type of rail system generally used to hold firearm accessories such as Weaver-style rails. Preferably, the lower rail system 32 is held in place by a series of screws 40 but attachment can be made through the use of bolts, buttons, lugs, nails, snaps, magnetic strips or any other means.

FIG. 3 shows the front of the removable pocket 28. In the embodiment shown, the removable pocket 28 has a plurality of receiving pockets 42 used to hold any number of accessories 64. The modular capabilities of the present invention are desired and the removable pocket 28 can be switched out to hold specific types of objects. Preferably, the removable pocket 28 is made out of a thermoplastic acrylic-polyvinyl chloride such as Kydex® but may be made out of any suitably durable and moldable hard plastic. Similarly, the back plate 24 may be made out of a similar material or a different material as the removable pocket 28. The removable pocket 28 has a front face 44 and back face 46. The upper rail system 38 is placed on the removable pocket 28 so as to line up with the lower rail system 32 located on the back plate 24. The upper rail system on the front face 44 features a quick detach latch system 50. The latch system 48 comprises a latch 50 having a handle 52 and a locking piston 54 (not shown). When the upper rail system 48 is in place on top of the lower rail system 32, the wearer can flip the handle 52 into a locked configuration. The locking piston 54 engages with the ridges 34 and slots 36 of the lower rail system 32 and prevents side-to-side movement. The rail systems 30 are of the Picatinny style (or any other style of rail that supports firearm accessories such as Weaver, Keymod, or M-Lok rails) and may be low profile or have a regular profile, depending on the preference of the wearer. The latch system is essentially described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,739,824 to Swan, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

FIG. 4 show the holder 22 fully assembled. The removable pocket 28 is laid on top of the back plate 24 and latched into place using the latch system 48. The removable pocket 28, when in position, includes at least one receiving pocket 42 to receive an object such as a magazine, knife, or gun. The receiving pockets 42 may be different styles so as to allow for different objects at the same time. For example, the left receiving pocket 42-1 may hold a small firearm and the right receiving pocket 42-2 could hold an ammunition magazine for said firearm. Another situation could include carrying one type of firearm having a first caliber in a waist holster and having a second type of firearm having a different caliber in a jacket pocket. The ankle holster 10 the left receiving pocket 42-1 could hold one type of ammunition magazine for the firearm in the waist holster and the right receiving pocket 42-2 could hold a magazine having a different caliber of ammunition for the firearm in the jacket pocket. The back plate 24 has an elastic foam backing 26 that covers the back plate edge 56 of the back plate 24 so as to prevent any sharp edges from contacting the wearer's skin and to provide cushioning and support. The elastic foam backing 26 is preferably Tempurpedic® material but may be any foam backing that generally conforms to the shape of the wearer's leg 58 for maximum comfortability.

FIG. 5 shows the back face 46 of the removable pocket 28. Integrally molded into the removable pocket 28 is a portion of the upper rail system 38. This portion of the upper rail system 38 allows for the removable pocket 28 to slide onto the lower rail system 32 or for the removable pocket 28 to be laid directly on top of the lower rail 32 and snap into place. The upper rail system 38 may feature a pair of arms 66 that grip onto lower rail system 32. Alternatively, the upper rail system 38 may have a series of magnets placed therein with corresponding magnets placed integrally within the back plate 24. Preferably, the upper rail system 38 is made of the same material as the firearm pocket 28 but may also be a less durable plastic so as to facilitate the attachment of the firearm pocket 28 to the back plate 24. The outer pocket edge 60 of the fire pocket 28 is preferably beveled as shown so as to provide a low profile when placed on the back plate 24, however the outer pocket edge 60 may be any configuration that allows for an aesthetic and functional fit with the back plate 24.

FIG. 6 shows an alternative embodiment where the removable pocket 28 provides for a firearm 62 as opposed to a gun accessory. The method of operating the holder 22 is the same. The removable pocket 28 is placed or slid into place on the back plate 24 through the use of the rail systems 30. The removable pocket is then latched into place using the latch system 50. The wearer can then conceal the firearm 62 using his pants leg or high socks.

The invention being described, it will be obvious that the same may be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention, and all such modifications as would be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An ankle holster comprising: a series of straps further comprising an upper strap, middle strap, lower strap, and support strap; a holder attached to the middle strap and lower strap comprising a back plate, foam backing, and at least one rail system comprising a lower rail system further comprising a plurality of ridges and slots for engaging an upper rail system; a removable pocket made of durable and formable plastic comprising a front face, a back face having the upper rail system comprising walls and engaging arms, and at least one receiving pocket; and a rail locking mechanism attached to the lower locking rail portion comprising a latch having a handle and a locking piston which engages the slots of the lower locking rail portion when the firearm pocket is in a desired position.
 2. The ankle holster of claim 1 wherein the removable pocket is made of thermoplastic acrylic-polyvinyl chloride.
 3. The ankle holster of claim 1 wherein the rail locking mechanism uses a Picatinny rail.
 4. The ankle holster of claim 1 wherein the rail locking mechanism uses a Weaver rail.
 5. The ankle holster of claim 1 wherein the rail locking mechanism uses a Keymod rail.
 6. The ankle holster of claim 1 wherein the rail locking mechanism uses a M-Lok rail.
 7. The ankle holster of claim 1 wherein the foam backing is elastic.
 8. The ankle holster of claim 7 wherein the foam backing is between 0.5 and 2.5 millimeters thick.
 9. An ankle holster comprising: a series of straps; a holder attached to the series of straps, the holder further comprising a back plate, foam backing, and at least one rail system; a removable pocket further comprising a front face, a back face, and at least one receiving pocket; and a rail locking mechanism attached to the rail system further comprising a latch having a handle and a locking piston.
 10. The ankle holster of claim 9 wherein the series of straps further comprises an upper strap, middle strap, lower strap, and support strap.
 11. The ankle holster of claim 10 wherein the holder is attached to the middle strap and lower strap.
 12. The ankle holster of claim 9 wherein the rail system further comprises a lower rail system further comprising a plurality of ridges and slots for engaging an upper rail system.
 13. The ankle holster of claim 9 wherein the removable pocket is made of durable and moldable plastic.
 14. The ankle holster of claim 13 wherein the plastic is thermoplastic acrylic-polyvinyl chloride.
 15. The ankle holster of claim 9 wherein the removable pocket further comprises an upper rail system on its back face.
 16. The ankle holster of claim 9 wherein the foam backing is between 0.5 and 2.5 millimeters thick.
 17. The ankle holster of claim 9 wherein the rail locking mechanism is attached to the lower rail system which engages the slots of the lower locking rail portion when the firearm pocket is in a desired position.
 18. The ankle holster of claim 17 wherein the removable pocket further comprises an upper rail system on its back face.
 19. The ankle holster of claim 18 wherein upper rail system engages the lower rail system and is locked into place using the rail locking mechanism.
 20. The ankle holster of claim 9 wherein the at least one rail system uses a Picatinny rail.
 21. The ankle holster of claim 9 wherein the at least one rail system uses a Weaver rail.
 22. The ankle holster of claim 9 wherein the at least one rail system uses a Keymod rail.
 23. The ankle holster of claim 9 wherein the at least one rail system uses a M-Lok rail. 